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First-ever prison debate sparks rehab dialogue

His Majesty’s Prison, in collaboration with the New Life Baptist Church, hosted its inaugural debate between male and female inmates, marking a significant step in the institution’s rehabilitative initiatives.

The event, which is now expected to become an annual occurrence, saw inmates discussing the critical issue of ‘Why the rate of reoffending is so high and what can the prison do to reduce the numbers.’

The female debate team emerged victorious, receiving $500 for their insightful contributions, while the male team was also commended for their efforts with a $250 prize. The amount will be split between team members when they are released.

Reverend Dr Michael Turnbull, who moderated the debate, pledged five laptops from the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church to support the prison’s educational programmes, highlighting the community’s support for the rehabilitation of inmates.

Prison Superintendent, Jay Kendall, stressed the importance of including inmate perspectives in the prison’s long-term rehabilitation strategy.

Kendall announced his intention to incorporate ideas from the debate into the prison’s three-year strategic plan, underscoring the event’s role in shaping the future of inmate rehabilitation.

He also heaped praise on the prison’s rehabilitation team for their continued hard work and constant innovation to enhance the institution’s rehabilitative process.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Vincent Wheatley lauded the debate initiative as a testament to the prison’s commitment to engaging with inmates on strategies for successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

“To break this cycle, we must invest in rehabilitative measures within our prison services, providing inmates with the tools and support needed for successful reintegration into society, ensuring that the path to redemption is paved with genuine opportunities for change and growth,” Wheatley stated.

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6 Comments

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  1. ReX FeRaL says:

    OK…

  2. Roger Burnett says:

    Beyond this initiative, an understanding of dyslexia would go a long way towards reducing crime and, by extension, the prison population.

    Research has shown that up to 40% of prisoners are dyslexic. Dyslexia is a powerful creative ability, but without understanding, it can become a powerful destructive disability.

    Asher & Martin Hoyles book “Dyslexia from a Cultural Perspective” is essential reading on this subject and this short video is essential viewing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtFKNPrJhJ4

    • @Roger Burnett says:

      Then knowledge of this mental deficit should be a factor in determining the granting of entry, status and/or deportation.

  3. THOSE JAIL BIRDS says:

    Are smiling from ear to ear with no shame , as they day on the street up there is a free vacation destination for all kinds of criminals , and instead

    of hard labour for their
    crimes and pain that they have caused to innocent people , they are celebrating behind bars / and to add
    insult to injury we
    have so much issues that badly needs serious attention at st peebles hospital that the
    prince of VG should be
    dealing with and he here smiling and parting with these thieves / what kind of message are sending to the criminals ❓️

    Like 1
    Dislike 7
  4. Wow says:

    Fire goin take a lot of ayo man when she come out look at herrrr

  5. Oinks says:

    Swines fat well fed and grinning ear to ear on taxpayer’s dime Civil servants on poverty wages schlepping daily and trying to make ends meet.

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